Fun with Science Takes Place at PJPII

Children are naturally curious about the world around them. This was apparent as eager young faces watched every move that Richard Reacto of Mad Science made while engaging them in a fun evening of science exploration at Pope John Paul II Catholic School (PJPII) recently. Reacto’s energy and enthusiasm captivated and intrigued the children, whose hands shot up continuously as he sought volunteers to participate in various scientific experiments and presentations. All were eager to be part of this exciting learning process. Taking the children in directions that a textbook never could, Reacto made learning everyday science fun, and the children, from the youngest pre-schoolers to those of elementary and middle school ages, responded and clung to his every directive and word. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm in learning.

Mad Science of Western New England, located in North Hampton, MA, offers a variety of workshops, school programs and special events, led by highly qualified instructors using unique equipment, to spark children’s interest in science. Bo Cuprak, principal at PJPII wanted to bring Mad Science to the school for some time and after having had to cancel a planned visit during the winter due to snow, was finally was to bring this scientific group to his school this spring.

After Reacto’s opening experiments and activities, students and their families were able to walk around the gymnasium to each of the five stations that Mad Science instructors had set up. Each station presented a different hands-on science learning experience which included that of making cotton candy, making slime, and experiments with air pressure, dry ice and carbonated water.

Mad Science utilizes children’s natural curiosity and desire to touch, see and do providing them with the opportunity to engage in hands-on exploration and thereby witness amazing scientific phenomena. Practice and research has proven that the hands-on approach is a most effective way of promoting learning and improving children’s perceptions of science.

“We teach children to love to learn science,” said Reacto. “And we all have fun!”